Title: Laugh and Learn Playdates: Teaching Healthy Development

Relevance: More than half (54%) of the nation’s 3- to 4-year-olds were not enrolled in preschool between 2018 and 2022.  According to Kids Count Data, during the 2019 - 2023 school year only 37% of kindergarten students in Kentucky were ready for their learning experience based on the criteria set by the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood.

The early years of a child’s life are foundational for lifelong success. High-quality early education programs significantly improve academic achievement and support children’s emotional and physical health. Therefore, creating opportunities that support school readiness is essential to promoting educational equity and long-term success. 

Response: To improve Kindergarten Readiness rate in Kentucky and to address educational disparities, the Family and Consumer Science Extension (FCS) Department equipped county agents with the tools to make a difference. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, 14 counties identified Laugh and Learn Playdates as one of their most effective programs of the year. Ten of the counties partnered with their local libraries to broaden their reach and engage more families. In these partnerships, libraries hosted monthly Laugh and Learn Playdates led by FCS agents, who provided the lesson and healthy snacks. Librarians supplemented the program by offering additional reading materials for families to take home, helping extend the learning experience for both parent and child.

Results: Together, the 14 counties reported participation from approximately 600 households, directly reaching 602 adults and 667 children through the program’s hands-on learning activities. While attendance can vary from month to month, nearly all counties reported consistent participation. Follow-up reports showed that over 80% of all families continued learning activities at home with their children, evidence of sustained engagement and positive behavioral change. While there is still room for continued growth, these outcomes reflect encouraging progress toward improving kindergarten readiness. 

Public Value Statement: When you support Extension family programing, you help build stronger communities.